Dress shield



Oct. 13, 1953 w, s, BRlGHTMAN 2,654,888

DRESS SHIELD U Filed ll ay 23, 1950 w mymmn WILL/ 4M SAMUEL BRIG/ WAN ATWRNEX Patented Oct. 13, 1953 UNITED STATES PATENT OFFICE 2 Claims.

1 This invention relates to articles of clothing .for individual and bodily use, and more particularly to devices for absorbing the perspiration of a person, that is developed conspicuously in designated areas of the body and retained by the clothes worn thereby.

It is an object of thisinvention to provide a new and improved perspiration pad of an absorbent nature that will avoid some of the disadvantages and. limitations of articles of this nature known to the prior art.

Another object of this invention is to provide a new and improved perspiration pad of an absorbent nature that will have a replaceable filler of substantial absorbent capacity.

Anadditional object of this invention is to provide new and improved perspiration pads that will be capable of being assembled together in variable numbers to coverlarger areas than feasible with one unit alone.

Further objects will be indicated as the invention is more fully described.

While the art to which perspiration pads belong, has been highly developed in recent times, there still exists limitations in the forms previously used that prevent them from being as desirable as the general user would prefer. Difficulties are experienced by wrinkling of the pads and their development into lumpy items objectionable in the characteristic inherent with the wrinkling. Lack of adjustability to vary the capacity and size of the pads to meet the requirements of particular locations of the clothing and body, reduces their adaptability to the needs arising.

Even though the basic characteristics of the pads are attractive to the majority of persons, the inherent objections arising and the lack of provision for economically changing them when soiled, prevents the extensive use they obviously deserve.

This invention has provision to avoid these objections, by employing a combination shield with filler of a replaceable nature and cheap but effective.

For a better understanding of the inventon and the objects thereof reference is made to the accompanying drawings which, with the following description, illustrate its preferred construction, by way of example, while the appended claims emphasize the scope of the invention.

Referring to the drawings:

Figure 1 is a front view of a perspiration pad embodying this invention;

Figure 2 is a side elevation of the pad shown in Figure 1, with its walls partly raised to indicate the general construction and arrangement of its elements; Figure 3 indicates how the pad is attached to clothing by tabs;

Figure 4 indicates the method used to combine a plurality of pads cooperatively together;

Figure 5 is a front view of a filler used in this embodiment; and

Figure 6 is a modified form of filler.

The same reference numerals are used to designate the same parts throughout the drawings.

In the construction indicated, a perspiration pad It) consists of a shield having double walls .I I, each of which consists of a single ply of thin and fiat material. They have an upper rim arcuate in contour and closed at the upper edge [2 by a line of sewing I3, which gives them a hinged formation. The hinging of the walls II at the top rim, leaving the remaining portions of the walls in flaps enables a flat and thin absorbent filler l1, preferably of cloth-to be laid flat between them. The filler is of material that is designed to readily absorb perspiration and moisture derived from the body in its natural functioning of the skin. The shield walls I l are preferably of non-toxic fabric, that is soft, flexible and not detrimentally affected by the perspiration. Fiber glass either alone or in combination with rayon or other materials could be used for this purpose, and particularly if the weave is made coarse enough to leave ample openings for the moisture to pass freely therethrough. However, the perforations !8 in the walls Ill spaced apart from each other and well distributed provide for the passage of the perspiration and moisture through them. The material mentioned is practically non-deteriorating and it is very strongly resistant to acids, alkalies and other deteriorating elements or compounds of a chemical nature. The filler I! is of very absorbent material such as of the cotton or cellulose types developed particularly for absorbent purposes. It also has perforations 20 through it. These perforations 20 have the purpose of utilizing capillary action more effectively, since such action has an indirect effect on fibers laterally, but is strong where the ends of the fibers are open. The perforations 2E3 afford many open ended fibers available for the moisture to enter and be absorbed.

Tabs I4 are connected to the rims of the shield walls l I at suitable locations and extend outward- 1y therefrom. They are coated with adhesive 16 on one side that is of a continuously sticky nature, like Scotch tape. A gauze covering [5 covers and protects this adhesive until it is desirable to apply the pad. The upper tabs M are principally used for attaching the pad to designated areas of the clothing. This is usually to the lining adjacent, the arm pits, the crotch and other areas Where perspiration is retained and more conspicuous. In such areas the perspiration cffects are noticeable. and therefore the removal of the moisture is particularly desirable. The lower tab on the shield walls is usually bent over to keep the latter closed together for the retention of the filler H between them. The pad area is subject to variation due to the circumstances and environment in which it is used. To increase this area, the user places as many pads, as de-- sirable, together in tandem with the tabs used as connecting means between them. This arrangement isshown in Figure 4.

The tabs afford a very convenient and safe manner of attaching the pad iii in place or the pads together. It avoids the use ofstrings, pins and other extraneous forms of iastenings which are liable to become unsanitary and take time in attaching them in place. The tabs also enable the pad to be secured so it will not wrinkle or become displaced. They also give more flexibility to the use of the pad, and can if necessary'be used to apply the pad directly to the skin. The objections to the efiects of perspiration are generally Well known. It produces odors thatare objectionable, and. chemical reactions on the clothing and skin, as well asthe rubbing arising at such locations and causing abrasions that are unhealthy and uncomfortable', which this pad eliminates.

In Figures 5 and 6 are shown preferred forms of fillers. .Fig. .5 indicates the perforations used to increase the capacity for absorption of the filler. The filler ll shown in Figure 6, has no perforations and is more economical to manufacture and will meet requirements that are nottoo severe. r

The device is simple but effective. The replace ability of the fillers at low cost, is the quickest and best manner of keeping the pads sanitary. The padsare attachable at any location quickly, accurately and closely. They of course save on the clothing by keeping it free from the efiects 4 of the perspiration, which involves odor, stains and chemical physical efiects. It employs thin materials that are not objectionable or noticeable. The pads may be adjusted in tandem together to cover as much area as may be required. They also can be made in attractive forms.

While but one form of the invention is indicated in the drawings and described herein, it is not desired to limit this application for patent to such specific form, as it is appreciated that other forms could be designed and manufactured that would employ the same principles and come within the scope of the appended claims.

Having thus described the invention, what is claimed is:

l. A pad of the class described having a generally moon shape with top and bottom edges, and comprising a double-wall shield, each wall consisting of a single ply, means for securing said plies together at the top edge of the shield, the bottom edge of each ply remaining free and spaced-apart, an absorbent filler enclosed between the walls of the shield and a plurality of tabs carried outwardly by the said walls, someof said tabs being secured at the opposite corners of the moon-shaped pad alongthe top edge, and others. or said tabs being secured at the. medial portion of the bottom edge, all of the tabs having adhesive. thereon" whereby they are securable to the adjoining portions of the garment'with which the pad is worn and one of the tabs at the bottom edge securing both walls of the shield together to retain the filler therebetweem.

2."A pad as set forth in claim 1 wherein the filler is additionally provided with through perforations to increase its capacity for absorption.

WILLIAM SAMUEL BRIGI-I'IMAN.

References Cited in the file of this patent UNITED STATES PATENTS 

